The City That Never Sleeps and I’m Exhausted….

The City That Never Sleeps and I’m Exhausted…. We all love it, the lights, the sights and sounds of New York. There’s nothing like it and when I was younger I adored it. Where else can you get food at three am in Manhattan or Go to SoHo and meet some of the most diverse and eclectic people? Every few weeks I come into New York for work. I do work with a few charities and network with other authors, editors generally the people you want and need to know. It’s usually a weekend, I fly in on Thursday and leave on Sunday and in that time I cram the work of at least seven people into three days. I’m up with the birds, my Starbucks coffee in hand and of course my croissant that’s been warmed to tackle the day. But I can tell you this from the time I leave the airport and hail a cab, I’m quite frankly…. Exhausted.

In between work, meetings, paperwork, scheduling and a multitude of other things. There’s always sightseeing there’s always someone or a group that has never seen the city and must take it all in with large excited gulps. This time around I had to brave The Empire State Building and my fear of heights. Oh didn’t I mention that at one point or ten thousand? Yes let me reiterate, I’m terrified of heights so much so that when I need to take flights I always pick a window seat so that I close the window and never have to see outside. Yep nothing but clouds out there and a long way down. So being on top of the world in the tallest peak in Manhattan was a big deal for me. Y’all know I had a shot (cough.. ahem 3) to settle the frayed nerves. Liquid courage can never fail! But I did I went on up there took a few pictures and didn’t look like I was screaming in my own head. Picture of calmness, that was me. I do believe that it was in part my inner Lafayette bitched slapped my subconscious until it passed out and then said to me “Hookah you got this, you got this!” That’s my bitch right there.. Inner Lafayette always comes through.

So I’m up with the birds, go to sleep with the late birds that like to stay up till 2am in Time Square. Then up and moving by 6: 45am once more for three days. The hectic schedule leaves me drained. So much so that when I get home to North Carolina, like a southern belle I take to my bed with the vapors. That basically means I’m working from bed with my laptop and wearing no damn pants, probably no bra, oh the vapors is my Vicks inhaler I love those things! (laugh) Would I change it? Nope, I would not because within all that work I’m having fun. I love my various jobs and trust me I wear a lot of hats, more than most realize. I see the city through the excited eyes of some of the newbies and hell, who doesn’t love a kick ass New Yorker?

There inspiration to be had in this town and I drink it in, then go home and channel it into my passion, my life’s breath and that’s my writing. Sitting in the red chairs in the middle of Time Square sipping a mocha frappe and people watching. That’s at least seven books for al the new characters you see. The guy with the sign that says “NEED MONEY TO BUY WEED” cracks me up. Hey at least he’s honest. Talking to cops or firemen even soldiers to hear their stories are my treasure trove. I leave stacked with business cards and come home with none of my own but plenty from other people. The adventure is never the same I can be sipping cocktails in a cigar bar or be invited to a roaring 20s gin party. It has happened, I kid you not. Its bloody awesome! So now I’ve braved the city that never sleeps and I’m heading home. There in my office I’ll write and work until its time for my next adventure. San Francisco the home to Alcatraz Island, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Park and Haight Street. I’m so ready!